Voter-registration deadline for NY primaries? August 16

A key voter registration deadline looms for those looking to vote in primary elections this year.

Voters will have to apply for registration by August 16 in order to be eligible to vote in party contests. The state’s primary day is slated for Sept. 10.

While no state-level offices are up for election this year, major local positions across the state are up for grabs, including the mayor’s office in New York City, Rochester and Binghamton, as well as executive positions in counties such as Westchester and Rockland.

“As we approach another election season, I encourage New Yorkers to make sure they are registered to vote to cast their ballot in September,” Gov. Andrew Cuomo said in a statement Tuesday.

The general election will be held on Nov. 5.

In order to vote in a primary, voters must be enrolled in a political party. New York does not have open primaries; only those registered with a party are allowed to vote in that organization’s primary.

For absentee voters, the last day to apply for a primary ballot in person is Sept. 9, while applications by mail have to be postmarked by Sept. 3. The actual absentee ballot must be sent in by Sept. 9, or delivered in person to the county board of elections Sept. 10.

Those hoping to vote in September can apply to register at https://my.dmv.ny.gov/crm/ or by contacting their county board of elections.